Zagreb Residents Launch Petition Against Jarun Bridge, Citing 'Ecocide'

Zagreb residents are rallying against the proposed Jarun Bridge, launching a petition to protest its planned location. They argue the project constitutes "ecocide" and threatens one of the city's most cherished green spaces.

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When the work begins, it will be too late.

While acknowledging the need for new traffic connections across the Sava River, the petition highlights serious concerns about environmental protection, citizen quality of life, and the preservation of Jarun Lake. This area, described as a rare urban oasis of peace, is vital for recreation and relaxation, offering a respite from city noise and chaos.

The proposed bridge, spanning approximately 625 meters and 38 meters wide, would introduce a four-lane traffic corridor with a tram line directly adjacent to the lake. Petitioners warn this will inevitably lead to increased noise, vibrations, light pollution, and exhaust emissions, fundamentally altering the character of the space. What is currently a place for relaxation could become another traffic zone, diminishing the area's visual identity and natural feel.

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This is ecocide.

Supporters of the petition are calling for a serious consideration of alternative routes, specifically suggesting a western corridor through the Petrovaradinska Street area. They believe this could fulfill the traffic objectives, such as connecting to Novi Zagreb and easing the burden on existing bridges, while significantly minimizing the impact on Jarun.

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Jarun Lake is not just a sports and recreation center but also a rare urban oasis of peace where citizens seek respite from everyday city noise, traffic, and visual chaos.

"Cities of the 21st century are not built solely on the criterion of car flow," the petition states, emphasizing the equal importance of quality of life, green space protection, and areas for recreation and health. They urge for additional independent traffic, landscape, and ecological analyses, and a thorough review of alternative routes before any irreversible construction begins.

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Such traffic infrastructure not only brings new connectivity but also increases noise, vibrations, light pollution, and exhaust emissions.